The British Home in Sierra Madre
The main objective of Daughters of the British Empire is to support the four British homes.
In Idaho, we support the British Home in Sierra Madre, California, sometimes referred to as the Western District Home.
The home was formally opened on September 22, 1931. From a modest beginning of one cottage with six residents, the home now consists of five charming cottages for thirty-seven residents, with one cottage providing nursing care. A modern kitchen, dining room, and recreation room are in a separate unit.
There has never been a mortgage on any part of the home, because the home's corporation has always waited until funds were available before adding property or buildings.
The home receives support from all of the organized state societies in the West. It is common for a chapter to adopt a resident or a couple at the home to become their 'special friends.' We exchange letters with them and send gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
In the 1930s, when the Ingathering was instituted, friends of the British Home in Sierra Madre came for tea and brought gifts to stock the pantry and the linen closet. Since the 1970s, DBE members and friends of the British Home have been invited to attend the annual Ingathering and enjoy afternoon tea in the grounds.
